Saturday, June 30, 2012

health

some of you know, some may not, but while clay and i were in america we were inspired by my sister and her family's decision to dramatically change their diet (ok, ill be honest, we were somewhat inspired by our growing bodies as well...). they don't eat anything unnatural or processed, or basically anything with ingredients they can't pronounce. and we figured what better a time to change our lifestyle completely than when our lives have been changed completely already? (enter, the baby). so we took the plunge just after we got back from america, i literally had a shop ordered online before we left the states to be brought to our door the evening we came in (then proceeded to clear out the cupboards before i put any of it away!). now, this is ireland, in case you forgot, and that means there isn't a trader joes around the corner. or a sprouts, or a whole foods, or anything convenient, etc. but i discovered i can still get a few good things from the supermarket if i look hard enough. but as for the rest i would have to try a little harder. 
we already get the majority of our meat from the butcher in town (they are the nicest guys, i tell you! they ask about the babe and about the coffee market and all. friends!) but we decided to commit to get all our meat (and eggs) from them from now on. granted its a bit more inconvenient (city parking and whatnot) BUT its tastier, free range, grass fed and all that jazz. whoop!
now for all the little essentials, like organic peanut butter, local honey, coconut oil, flours, teas, etc. we have to get from a little hole in the wall health food shop in town. 
and for some super good organic fruit and veg we can get from our friend eamon at the farmers market in town on a saturday (or if we're feeling lazy or in a pinch, there is always some good options at the supermarket too).


here are a few photos of some of the food we've eaten this week!

breakfast:

we have these every morning for breakfast (per a suggestion from a friend. thanks grace, you were right!), they include a variation of the following ingredients: kale or spinach, frozen berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants) or frozen tropical fruit (melon, grapes, pineapple, oranges), two bananas, organic natural yogurt, orange apple or carrot juice, and some protein powder. so yummy and keeps us full for hours!


lunch:


our most favorite lunch of choice, toasted tahini and honey sandwich. (bottom photo is clays packed lunch. with a side of quinoa and veg)

dinner:

spatchcocked chicken with aubergines and tomatoes

grilled chicken with quinoa, corn, carrots and peas.

more grilled chicken with brown rice and grilled spinach. (we've been grilling everything with coconut oil, oh my goodness the tastiness!)



DISCLAIMER: now, i will never say NEVER (wait, that doesn't make sense? anyway, you get it).  because there are way too many good things in this world that i would like to enjoy in the future. can i seriously say that i will never be able to eat an oreo ever again? or a bag of orange skittles? no way jose! (but don't you think they would be better enjoyed if they were eaten on a rare basis?) or will we really go over to a friends for dinner and bring our own food? excuse me, how rude! 
but we have decided to make this commitment in regards to what we choose to eat in our own home. and for now, we have to commit 100% if we are gonna stick with it! will you help us? 

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

loss

the first night we were home was a rough one. not only was i up most of the night with a very awake and jet lagged 12 week old, i also got news that my cousin nick had died suddenly and tragically. i guess it was ok that my daughter was awake and just wanted to play, i wouldn't have been able to sleep anyway, not with such a heavy heart.


words cannot express how sorry i am for my aunt julie, and her other son, ross. i can't even imagine what they are both going through. there was never a time that i talked to my aunt, and she didn't tell me how proud of her son(s) she was. she would always go on about all their recent accomplishments and what responsible young men they were growing into. they were (are) such a strong family, the three of them, and they had been through a lot together. i know that they will continue to be, even through this tragedy.

experiencing death really opens your eyes to the reality of life, and how fleeting it is. it is just as the bible says, "a vapor in the wind". especially when you are only days away from being 21 years old. today would have been his 21st birthday.

our family get togethers won't ever be the same, not only because of nicks absence, but also because of the sadness that will forever be in our family's eyes. he will be missed, to say the least, but he will definitely never, ever, be forgotten.

Monday, June 25, 2012

home again

welp, we made it home safe and sound. 



and let me just say, this whole jet lag thing is rough on a 12 week old! which in turn means its rough on her mother! but were getting through it. just have to be ok with a 12am bedtime?

Thursday, June 21, 2012

water baby

speaking of water babies, have you ever read that book by charles kingsley? i know its a childrens story, but i read it a few years ago (well, actually it was the audiobook), and it was one of the most magical stories i have ever heard! maybe it was because it was read by a sweet english lady, whose voice was gentle and kind? anyway, i loved it, and you should too.
now, i know my little girl has legs and lungs, but she loved the water! she could have stayed in for ages. we took advantage of sally's pool and went in quite a few times. even for a quick dip to cool off. here is some documentation!









she also had some playtime in in her cousins slip and slide.


we're gonna miss going in water that wont freeze your toes off! i suppose we can just use our giant bathtub when we go home?

Sunday, June 17, 2012

fathers day

happy fathers day to the best father my daughter has ever had. thank you for all you do. we love you to the moon (and back!).




Monday, June 04, 2012

sunny san diego

oh, it feels so good to be back in san diego. not only to be seeing all my family and friends, but also...the sunshine! i havent seen a summer in california since 2007! and it feels wonderful! we are soaking it all up. little willow was having a hard time with all the sunshine, but i think she's getting the hang of it lately.

clay went fishing with his dad on his new boat and caught a 41.5 pounder on his second cast! it was some good eatin' (for days!)

willow finally got to meet (auntie) kathleen!

aaaand some starbucks sleepy time.

as you can see ive been kind of distracted and havent taken that many pictures. im sorry for the slim pickings. maybe its all this sunshine? its got me all discombobulated?